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The Role of Small Satellites in NASA and NOAA Earth Observation Programs (2000) / Chapter Skim
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1 Introduction
Pages 7-10

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
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From page 7...
... 2The EOS program is "the centerpiece of NASA's Earth Science Enterprise. It consists of a science component and a data system supporting a coordinated series of polar-orbiting and low-inclination satellites for long-term global observations of the land surface, biosphere, solid Earth, atmosphere, and oceans" (EOS Project Science Office, 1999)
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From page 8...
... Thus, both NASA and NOAA plans now recognize and embrace current capabilities and ongoing advances in sensor and spacecraft technology for future Earth observation missions. Consequently, the committee altered its planned response to its charge and de-emphasized the study of specific new technologies in favor of an increased emphasis on the implications and impact of capable small sensors and satellites on mission architecture and management trade-offs.
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From page 9...
... is predicated on the cost of each mission being relatively low.7 Low-cost satellite buses help enable low-cost missions, but total mission costs include those for the satellite (i.e., payload plus bus) , launch vehicle, and mission operations.
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From page 10...
... Finally, the report examines a number of systemwide issues, first with respect to overall mission architecture and then regarding several key management concerns that go beyond hardware development considerations. Specifically, Chapter 2 provides an overview of the measurements planned by NASA and NOAA to support satellite-based research and operational Earth observation programs, and it introduces key issues common to the development of either large or small satellite programs to fulfill NASA and NOAA requirements for the EOS and NPOESS programs.
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Key Terms

  • launch vehicles
  • mission architecture
  • earth observation
  • satellite buses
  • earth observing

  • mission architectures
  • observation programs
  • observation missions
  • spacecraft technology
  • weather satellite

  • satellite program
  • noaa earth
  • satellite programs
  • project science
  • overall mission

  • clark earth
  • operational environmental
  • science enterprise
  • mission costs
  • technology initiative

  • alternative mission
  • planet earth
  • earth remote
  • larger missions
  • science mission

  • meteorological satellite
  • mission cost
  • core observational
  • expendable launch
  • science office


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